Clarks
Reviews and Complaints

I have several pairs of clark shoes and the sole crumbled apart as I was working. It was very embarrassing as I had no other shoes with me to change into
.I feel the shoes should ne replaced but do not know where to write to complain. If anyone has an address it would be very appreciated.

Ok...aparrantly Belk got a bad batch of shoes from Clarks.

Here is My experience of Clarks footwear best told by copying in the text of the letters.
1st Letter
Complaints Department
Clarks
40 High Street
Street
Somerset
BA16 0EQ
United Kingdom 10 November 2014
Dear Sirs
I remember the first time I visited a shoe shop. My mum took me to Clarks to be measured and fitted out for sandals. That was over 55 years ago and I am pleased to see your company is still going, as am I.
Since that time I have almost invariably bought Clarks shoes. I find them comfortable and of good quality and if looked after they can last many years and that to my way of thinking justifies the price.
A few years ago I bought some Clarks sandals and wore them that summer and again the following year for our overseas holiday. Whilst on that holiday the wrap became detached and I was surprised and disappointed to see that the leather wrap was attached to the sole by an adhesive and not stitched as it appeared from the outside. They were impractical to wear and I bought a cheap pair to get me through the holiday. My intention was to return them once back in the UK. But on arrival home I found that the sandals had been left behind or thrown away. First time in all those years I had had a problem with Clarks footwear.
That brings to me to this past weekend. I attended the Remembrance Day ceremony at Folkestone and decided to wear a pair of suede shoes bought probably three years ago but worn only once or twice. During the walk past the upper of the right shoes became detached from the welt and all I could do was to remove them, it was impossible walk in them as my foot kept sliding out of the side. Embarrassing to me but amusing to some others.
When I had the chance to examine them I could see that the rubber sole had split along its length beneath the stitching. These, a pair of shoes worn no more than a couple of times – borne out by the shoes condition - of the correct fit and not subjected to sunlight or chemicals etc as they are stored in my shoes closet.
I have enclosed these shoes for your perusal and would welcome your urgent reply and explanation.
Yours sincerely
Reply from Clarks
Dear Mr Anderson
Thank you for taking the time to return your shoes to us.
We're very proud of the quality of the footwear we make and therefore, I was concerned to learn that your shoes came apart, whilst attending the Remembrance Day ceremony. I appreciate how embarrassing this must have been.
We have however, examined the shoes and can confirm that this style was last manufactured over 6 years ago. We feel the problem was not a fault in the original materials or construction but due to factors beyond our control. In our opinion the breakdown is due to natural deterioration through age.
I do, however, understand your disappointment and therefore, as a measure of goodwill, on this occasion, I have enclosed a voucher for £14 which I hope you will find useful.
We will hold your for a period of 4 weeks from the date of this letter after which time we wi/i donate them to our Shoebiz charity.
On behalf of Clarks, I apologise for the inconvenience caused and hope my action will help to restore your faith in our brand.
Yours sincerely
Linda Murphy
Email to CEO Melissa.Potter@Clarks.com
Good Afternoon
I am writing to you as I do not feel the above complaint has been dealt with fairly.
I was taken aback when I received the letter this is not what I would have expected from Clarks
This is clearly a failure in the materials used and not a wear and tear issue they having received very little use.
I would have thought it would be seen as an embarrassment that these materials would degrade and fail in such relatively short time.
Instead it is used as a reason for rejection. I understand the six year rule.
I have some Clarks footwear that go back ten years and one pair of boots well past that time.
I don't think it unreasonable to expect quality footwear to last past six years if cared for properly.
I have attached both letters, sent and received.
The footwear is still with your company and so can be inspected should you wish.
I would appreciate it if this could be reviewed and the above taken into account..
No reply received
Second letter sent to Lynda Murphy Complaints dept
Dear Linda Murphy
I am sure Mr Clark would be revolving turbine like in his grave if he could know that after 180 so years his company was manufacturing footwear with a use by date.
It is a damning thing for a quality footwear company like Clarks to say about their product, that it will naturally degrade to the point of failure in only 6 years.
This is not wear and tear this is a poor quality material wrongly chosen and your company should put their hand up to it and refund the full cost.
I have enclosed your voucher you can use this to cover the return postage charge.
Please return the shoes.
I will post pics of shoes if I can. When or if I get them back!

I have had the same experience. Three pairs of Clarke's shoe split at the seems when I put my hand inside to clean them. .I sent Clarke's photos of the faulty shoes. Clarke's say because the shoes are over six years old this is to be expected. Not in my book! Clarke's also said the materials used and the method employed were OK - They have got to be kidding.Clarke's offered a £10:00 voucher considering what I paid for the shoes this is insulting. I told them I wanted TWO new pars and they could keep their voucher. It has all gone quiet at Clarke's. Having bought Clarke's shoes all my adult life - for me - my wife and kids - I will never buy another pair!

Yes, the same has happened to two pairs of Clarks I own - and never to other makes - Bally, Gucci, etc.

Clarks have become real rubbish and I'll never purchase them agasin.

I've gone through 3 pairs of Clarks, two of which were replacements. It's like a reverse lottery: you never know when you step out the door that day if you will lose the sole lottery and have your shoes fall off. Now, just had a pair of Born clogs split in half horizontally on my way in to work. I have worn these shoes maybe 20 times over the course of the 2 years I have owned them.

Apparently, we consumers must now install humidifiers inside our closets to prevent dry rot from crappy Chinese made rubber. These companies want to position themselves as high quality, cite hand-crafted, etc. but they don't tell you, oh, yeah, those rubber soles? Don't count on 'em. Plan to carry backup footwear with you "just in case." Oh, and never walk on: a blade of grass, it might have chemicals on it. A damp sidewalk, that might affect the rubber too. Come to think of it, don't actually WEAR the shoes, just put them on display. That's the safest bet. And, oh, if you don't have a receipt, too bad.

Re Clark shoes, The soles of my FOURTH pair have just disintegrated..looks like a lot of rather sticky and friable expanded foam. The shoes were not cheap and only worn once. Prevoous pairs which have failed on the sole (same problem) after a few uses have been "polyvelt" sneaker type. Really nice looking shoes but complete rubbish.
I will never buy Clarks again and would advise others against buying shoes from this rubbish manufacturer.

I have had to throw 15 pairs of clarks in the trash. That is a lot of money. What is clark willing to do about this? The shoe are comfortable, I love the shoe but they are to expensive for this to happen. I keep reading the complaints. What are we the consumer going todo. I am not sure about you but I want my money back.

I agree. I've had this occur with Clarks and BORN shoes. The soles disintegrate and leave black foam pieces everywhere. Extremely disappointed.

I have had the same problem with five pair of my Clarks. Several are relatively new shoes and are separating from the sole. Three pair I throw away. I kept two pair just in case Clarks would question my problem.

I bought my first clark shoes (flavour sugar, 148 SGD) two weeks ago in Singapore. Since they are expensive, I only used them in the office. Now the inner sole tore apart, I can see the stitches and the rubber is tearing apart too. I am very disappointed. Due this very bad experience I am sure of never ever wanted to buy any clark shoes again nor appreciate them anymore. Buying clark shoes was a real act of waste of money !

The same thing has happened to me three times. The last pair had very little wear on it and the shoe totally pulled away from the sole. I love the feel and fit of these shoes but I can not afford to buy them if I can only wear them a few times before I throw them away. Does anyone know if Clark will reimburse you or replace defective shoes? Ginger Burton

I put on a pair of Clarks clogs today and took a few steps when I notice that the soles were separating from the upper shoe on both shoes. This is the second pair of clogs that have had this defect and neither pair had been worn much which can be seen by the conditon of the sole. I will be forwarding these shoes to the appropriate State government office and filing an official compalint. And, OF COURSE, I will never purchase anothe pair of your shoes again.

I put on my Clarks clogs this morning and the soles separated from both shoes after a few steps. I have worn these VERY little and there is nearly no wear on the sole to support this. This is the second pair of your incredibly poor quality shoes that have had the same defect. You have your shoes made in China and I can't help but wonder if the lack of quality control is your trade-off for executive profit. I will never buy another pair of your expensively cheap shoes! What I willl do is forward these shoes to the appropirate state government office and file an official complaint.

Wish I read these comments before I purchased Clark shoes. I have had the same experience with soels splitting and coming apart from the leather. It shameful because the leather is still good. What is even worse is Clark does nothing to stand behind their product.
That saying you get what you pay for DOES NOT AND I MEAN DOES NOT APPLY to clark shoes. I will never buy another pair of clark shoes. It is not only the shoe is bad but so is Customer Service.

I live in Ocala, FL and I love the Clark's shoes. I had never heard of them until I moved here. I right away bought a pair of blue ones. Liked them so much that I bought a pair of red ones the same style. I now own about eight pairs. Well the other day I got down my blue pair and wore them to work and they just fell apart. The upper part came apart from the sole and there I was left in a very embarassing situation at work flopping around with a ripped apart shoe. I went to wear the red pair several days later and the very seam thing happened to them only worse. This time a big chunk of the sole came apart. I am very disappointed with the Clark's name and I hope that they will do something to right their product.

I have eight pairs of Clark shoes and all but one pair has worn beautifully. Recently
I put on a pair of red shoes which I wear less than the others and the sole suddenly
detached from the upper. I love these shoes and would like information about getting
them repaired or replaced. The shoe is style number 34308, Size 5M, Rebecca SMU.
Please reply to: dorothymilam@att.net

I am ashamed from telling anyperson that i own 2 pairs of shoes from clarks the 1st pair is perfect but the second pair that i wear it for 5 times this year and all of a sudden the sole came off, what a shame even though is says on it made in italy
after that bad experience never again clarks i will buy from now rockport which i own about 4 pairs with no complaint what so ever

This is exactly what has happened to me-I am just sick as I love these shoes. I guess this is what happens when we outsource our products. What a shame for such a good shoe to now be no good.

I too own several pairs of Clark shoes. I had a pair of mine completely fall apart - the shoe came away from the sole. I could not believe it! I have never seen shoes do this before. I love Clark shoes but if this is what happens to them as you wear them I am going to stop buying them.

I think your name sounds Romanian as well and your english is so poor...amazing how some people forget where their roots are and try their best to spoil the country's reputation. I am not surprised about our image abroad which is made by our own country' people.

I had a pair of Clarks last year that fell apart. I called them and they sent me a new pair. Well, the same thing happened, the sole is coming apart from the upper shoe. I feel if I call again they'll think I'm just looking for free shoes, which I'm not' I've been buying Clark shoes for at least 20 yrs and I never had any problems before. I assure you I will not be buying any more Clark shoes.

I have had Clark shoes for several years and love the feel of them. At the present time that is all I wear except for dress shoes on Sunday. I have had the top come loose from the soles on 3 pairs. All 3 pairs the stitches and rubber strip on the soles just come off. The tops of the shoes remain in excellent condition. Please reply to me with what you can do to help me. I would just like replacements. Reada Napper@AOL.com

I have a pair of Clark Shoes No.08.98 3211-3 size 81/2.Can you make this right with me to get a new pair.
Thank You

I have a pair of Clark shoes and I just love them but my soles came off the shoe. I took them to a cobblers to fix and he said he can't fix them. They are not that old . The No. of my shoes is 08.98 321 1-3 size 81/2. Will you do anything about this problem?

from weeziewaldman@aol.com Thank You

I have two pair of Clark Springers and the soles came off both of them. They feel so good on my feet. Can't you do anything about the soles.

Could you replace them? I got rid of the 1st pair, but still have the mules.

Nancy VonDeylen
1130 Jonathon Ln #16
Neenah WI 54956

I have had soles come off two pair of Clark's shoes and the store where I bought them refused to do anything about it. I won't buy Clark's again and recommend anyone that reads this to stay away from this brand.

I was coming out of the Memorial Auditourim in Chatt, Tn and my shoes were getting very loose and large not knowing what was going to happen next... got home and started to get out of my truck and the shoes just fell completely off my feet... so thankful this didn't happen while coming out of the gospel singing... it was cold out... I would have been in a big mess...not only one but both of them did...

I have a pair of clog type Clark shoes that I wore just a couple of times and the sole has just crumbled beyond repair. I love the shoes and wish I could wear them, can I get reimbursed or another pair just like I have.
I always felt that Clarks was a top of the line brand of shoes, there is nothing top of line with shoes that fall apart with very little wear. I have shoes I bought from Walmart that have lastest longer than my clarks did. I have not thrown them away yet, but they can not be worn...what can I do? D. Snyder disappointed clark shoe owner.

I am both sad and glad that others are having the same problem I am with Clarks. I had some Clarks hurache clogs that I wore one day and something felt wierd enough to demand my attention, so I looked down and saw the right shoe's leather top came right off the sole and my foot was hanging out. I was not at home, either! The same thing happened to me today with my other pair of Clarks, shoes this time, again, not at home. I can see how somebody could trip and fall under these circumstances.

I already threw the clogs away, unfortunately, but I am going to contact the company and demand satisfaction. I have a lot of shoes, so none of them gets much wear, and that isn't the reason for the self-destruction of my shoes! I agree with you all- what a drag to have expensive shoes from a trusted company to let us down.

yhis is the second shoes that have fallen apart i have had at least a dozen pair and i love them but am so upset over this pair the soles is coming apart the other pair sole ripped a wasy from the leather i threw that pair away have the red pair what do i need to do ..jerry graham

Soles fell off the shoe. See pictures

Wendy Thornton.

I also have a complaint with Clark's shoes, soles of my sandals fell apart while on a trip out of town, how very imbarassing and inconvenient
they are called SPRINGERS !
thank you !

CLARKS PROBLEMS SOLVED! FYI - I, too, have worn Clarks for years - sudddenly several pairs started falling apart just below the stitching on the rubbery material. I've also had some crack open on the bottom. Clearly a manufacturing defect. HOWEVER, I called Clarks [protected] and requested an RMA. They are sending me a label to return the 4 defective pairs I know of and will replace them with the shoes of my choice! They told me to go online and pick them out and send a note in the box. I'm going home tonight to inspect all the remaining pairs in my closet and so are my friends. The Clarks rep told me they had some defective material in these older shoes and that the problem doesn't exist in the new ones. We'll find out!

I have had the identical problem with 2 of the 3 pairs of Clarks clogs/shoes I have owned. The first pair, when they fell apart, I assumed it to be bad luck and I threw them out. The 2nd pair, which I got cheaply at a thrift store, ironically, are going strong. However, the uppers of the 3rd pair, new condition, purchased only last week and worn just 3 times, have completely separated from the sole on the length of the inside of the right shoe and there is a 1 1/2 inch area of separation on the left one. I would have them repaired, but I really don't see how they could be repaired because of the design defect noted in your complaint. So disappointed because these shoes are so very comfortable! Amazing that this company could stay in business with so many customers experiencing a similar problem with what are rather expensive shoes. I have never had any shoes fall apart before, not even cheap ones!

I was recently wearing a pair of clarks (clunky looking shoe, but deceptively tapered heel) and I turned, went over on the heel, twisted my ankle and have a torn tendon.

I'm NOT HAPPY with a pair of "Ingram" White/Pink tong sandals just purchased on 6-20-09. The RIGHT ONE slips off and the inner sole is leather, but since it is SLIPPERY, for a tong backless sandal, the shoes are impossible to WEAR. Since I wore them twice, I'm afraid the store will NOT give me a credit or do ANYTHING for the $60 pair of sandals I purchased, supposedly, on sale. I'd never buy another pair of Clark's.

Same issue here. I bought a pair of slip ons and wore them for the first time last night. They felt loose, and when I took them off, the upper shoe had separated from the base at the stitching line, on both sides. Obviously product failure and poor materials. My friend said she has had this problem with 3 of her pairs of Clark's. What are they going to do about this? These are not cheap shoes! I will certainly not purchase Clark's brand again, and will warn others of the product.

I have two pair of Clarks clogs that have done the same thing, the upper and the sole came apart at the stitching. The stitching is still there they just are broken away where they connect... Two pairs of shoes within the past month did the same exact thing. I have had both pair for 2 years. I see where others have had this issue. I have worn Clark's shoes for years and want to continue but I am concerned that they will not hold up. Please contact me with a resolution. Thank you.
E Cain
cain_elizabeth@hotmail.com

I have a pair of brand new Clark clogs that I bought last year. The heal is falling off. I have only worn the shoes 3 times and they cost $75.00. Please contact with a resolution to this problem.

LaTonga Prather
58 Parterre Ave
Foothill Ranch, CA 92610
[protected]

I bought my Clarks clogs last year but have hardly worn them and definitely not for long periods. I just noticed that the lining is separating from the heel. If I still had the receipt I would be returning them to Boscov's for a refund. I will never buy another pair of Clarks.

Nancy Sabia

I have a brand new pair of clark slide ons and I put them on to wear today and all of the stitching on one side of both shoes tore away from the sole.What can I do?The store where they were purchased would not refund because they said they said they would not ring up in their register due to possibly being a discontinued item.I buy my shoes when they are on sale so, I don't know exactly when they were purchased. Who can help me.I can send them back in the box they came in and they are brand new.

Dolores Gantt
1805 Nearview Ave.
Columbia S.C 29223
Phone [protected]

I am still waiting for somewon to reply to my complaint

I haven't the faintest idea how to get my comlaint to the proper department
I have had a pair of your shoes 33475-10M-11/03 for quite some time, however, due to a medical problem I have been unable to wear them until recently After wearing them on only two occasions, the left side of the left shoe tore away from the sole I paid a decent price for the shoes and certainlly hoped to get more wear from them than that

Please contact me and let me know what recourse I have, if any, at this Email address or by writing (if anyone still does that) to:

Mary Lou Boyer
314 Village Drive
Brandon, PA 19510
Phone: [protected]

I have bought Clark shoes for many years and have had exact same issue everyone is complaining about, my shoes soles disintegrated and shoe came apart. This has happened on four pair within the two years. I contacted customer service and all they are doing is sending me a 30% off coupon. I don't want that because I will never buy another Clark shoe. Also had a strap break on a pair of sandals, while at a bridal shower, which left me barefooted, and embarrassed. I made sure everyone knew this was a Clark shoe, poorly made. Seems like the company doesn't do a thing about it. I want a replacement.

Clark should just file for bankruptcy. Seriously, like others, I have other shoes that are 10+ years old and have NEVER NEVER just had the bottom soles separate from the tops. In contrast, 4 pairs of Clarks or BORN did so, with minimal wearing.

To have a company disingenuously say this is "normal" aging of rubber is RUBBISH. Find a better manufacturer of rubber soles or go out of business.

Clark Shoes - soles disintegrate
I have had the same problem with Clark Shoes, the rubber soles crumble.
I wrote to Clark, and they told me this is normal aging of rubber.
I tried to post a review and photes on the Clark web site and they said my review did not meet thiere guidelines. Here is t he photo.

I just cleaned my closet out. Had several pairs of clarks in the back. I have not worn for a few years. They were a mess. Black sticky stuff falling apart all over the carpet. Top part of shoe excellent. Sole disintegrated or split in half. So disappointed. Clarks have always been a favorite because of comfort, style and quality. My hands were a sticky mess from the clean up. The carpet had to be cleaned as well.

I have now had three pairs of Clarks sandals cracked and then disintegrate - the leather uppers are really great. Sorry Clarks you used to make really great shows but not any more - so will not be buying Clarks anymore. I am based in England.

I recently bought 2 pair of Clark shoes & they are no longer the Clark shoes I have bought in the past. These shoes are so uncomfortable that I cannot wear them all day. What has happened to the Clark shoes I use to buy? These 2 pairs will be the last Clarks shoe I buy.
Sincerely
Marilyn Hartman

I am having the same problem with Clarks shoes. On a pair of sandals, the entire soles disintegrated. Now the heels of a pair of winter booties that I only wear a few months a year have developed holes. The covering is gone and it is obvious that the heel is hollow. I haven't worn the shoes enough to cause this type of wear.The cost to repair the heels is $24. My shoe repairman says that this damage is due to cheap materials. Very disappointing.

I just returned home from a wake where I found that my Clarks shoes were disintegrating. I actually had to pick up chunks of black heel material from the carpet in the funeral home as I realized what was happening. This is the second pair in 2 months where the heels have just disintegrated as I walked. The shoes were several years old but rarely worn and stored in a closet. The leather uppers were in excellent condition. Thank goodness I had an extra pair of shoes in my car to change into. I have several more pairs of Clarks at home but am hesitant to wear for fear of them falling apart. No more Clarks for me!

I bought one of your sandals... and then one day there was heavy rain. I walked through the rain, amd a [censored]ing 123ish sandal leather shoes dyed my feet black. What is up with your stupid dye? You would expect such an expensive pair of shoes to not stain your feet the moment it encounters rain!

Terrible! They just refused to make good on my request for a replacement pair of heels when mine disintegrated inside. I'll never buy another pair of Clark shoes!

I am a 78 year old woman and have been wearing Clark’s for 45 years, but in the last 10 to 15 years like everyone else on this complaint site I have had numerous pairs of seldom worn clogs separate at the sole so that I walk right out of them. Two weeks ago I took a pair in the box with original wrapping to Virginia and this new looking pair separated on the stairs causing me to fall.

This is totally unacceptable for shoes stored in AC and kept pristine!

Please compensate ! The shoes are not cheap to start with, but the materials are obviously inferior now and have been for several years. Clark’s had been ripping off its customers and endangering us as well!

Beverly L Battle, Ph.D

My Clarks heel came apart after wearing for three days! The rubber on the heel is only 1mm thick with a band of rubber around the edge to con you into thinking its thicker! This is a form of lie and neither myself or my three children or my friends and family and their children will be buying anymore clarks as they have all experienced similar failings with Clark footwear!

Mine too

I am also disgusted with Clark's sandals. I will never buy another pair. They used to be comfortable quality shoes and I have pairs that I still wear occasionally which are over 20 years old. I have had over a dozen pairs bought more recently which have fallen apart and crumbled (which is extremely messy). Sometimes it is the first or second time I have worn the sandals, and they have been stored in boxes in my closet. They have clearly changed their manufacturing materials or process, and now only produce crap! It is pointless contacting Clark's because the last few times they have not even responded to me and if they do, they will fob you off. I am so done with them and will NEVER buy Clark's again!

I’ve had over 3 pairs of clogs disintegrate while I was wearing them. The heels just fell apart leaving chunks of black rubber material in a trail.

The leather uppers are in perfect condition as I don’t wear them often. I find this surprising and disappointing as I always thought Clark’s was a quality brand.

Salt on rubber covered, cement steps caused my boots to stick to the steps, forcing me to fall head first.

I have only worn them a few times. I was walking and both heels fell in pieces off the heel of my shoes. I was very embarrassed. I have other clark mules and I am afraid to wear them. Also this site does not allow me to upload the pictures of took of the shoes. Is there an email address where I can send the pictures?

I have a pair of Brown mens gortex shoes. The sole of the left shoes is disintegrating and coming away from the uppers. The right shoe is normal and just shows normal wear and tear. . It is now impossible to wear the shoes. I feel this is due to poor workmanship. If desired I can return them to you for your observations

Purchased the sandals at Bealls Florida in July 2022, and by September 2022 the sole of the shoe is disintegrating/ coming apart. Very poor quality.

I wore my Clarks Cloudstepper Brinkley Flora sandals for less than 2 weeks when the heal cracked. They are either defective or poorly made.

The sole on my Clarks Sunbeat sandals fell apart. The leather upper is still in wonderful condition but the sole fell apart and the sandals are unwearable.

I was referred by two friends to try Clark’s sandals. I did. About a month ago. I was in love. Now, one month later the soles are cracking and falling apart. These are terrible. Never have I ever had shoes fall apart on me. Please help.

I have bought several pairs of Clark's shoes. I went to closet to get a pair of shoes out and I was shocked to find my shoes were coming apart. I got my other pair of Clark sandles out and to my disbelief they were disintegrating in my hands. The side was completely detached from the sole of the shoe. I would like to have my shoes replaced.

I have a pair of Clark sandals that I bought recently and the soles fell apart! I wore them to church and then noticed clumps of the soles on the floor everywhere! Other people noticed them too and it was so embarrassing! Can you please refund or send a replacement? They are a size 7. My email address is sharonkjones1960@gmail.com.